On a practical note, we've been finishing off our final preparations. These include parking the car and getting it ready for long-term storage as well as boxing up the bikes. This was more difficult than we thought and Brian had to take a lot more pieces apart than he hadhoped. So much for getting the bikes tuned before we left as everything's now ripped apart and will be bashed around a cargo hold before we ride them again. If you're ever planning this type of trip, save the professional tune up for AFTER arrival! All paperwork in order and last bits of clothing packed away it seems as though we're really ready to leave!

I've gone through a lot of emotions about this trip over the last few months. From being elated to anxious to everything in between. Now I'm shocked at the lack of emotion I'm feeling...Strange I thought that the closer we got the better I would feel

. This has been such a long time in coming it's hard to be excited all the time. It's also such a long journey we can't expect for the entire thing to be great. We're very aware that there are difficulties ahead. Brian keeps saying that this is our new 'job'. Our occupation for the next while so to speak. Either that or education of another sort.

Whenever I get anxious about the negative people or situations that lieahead I have an image that I'm going to keep. This happened on the way to Brian'sswearing in ceremony. While makingour way through the subway change at Young and Bloor a lady walkingahead of us had some bills fall out of her pocket. Almost instantly, 2unrelated people ran calling to her to get her attention and went togather the money for her. There may be bad out there, but I believethere is much more good in the world. That's what we're seeking on this trip.

When listening to the radio on our drive from Alberta to Ontario I heard this song and decided to make it the theme song for our trip: "If Today Was Your Last Day" by Nickelback

My best friend gave me the best adviceHe said each day's a gift and not a given rightLeave no stone unturned, leave your fears behindAnd try to take the path less traveled byThat first step you take is the longest stride

If today were your last dayAnd tomorrow was too lateCould you say goodbye to yesterday?Would you live each moment like your last?Leave old pictures in the past?Donate every dime you have?If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of lifeWhat's worth the prize is always worth the fightEvery second counts 'cause there's no second trySo live like you're never living twiceDon't take the free ride in your own life

If today were your last dayAnd tomorrow was too lateCould you say goodbye to yesterday?Would you live each moment like your last?Leave old pictures in the past?Donate every dime you have?If today was your last day

Would you call old friends you never see?Reminisce old memories?Would you forgive your enemies?Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?Swear up and down to God aboveThat you'd finally fall in love?If today was your last day

If today was your last dayWould you make your mark b mending a broken heart?You know it's never too last to shoot for the starsRegardless of who you areSo do whatever it takes'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this lifeLet nothin' stand in your wayCause the hands of time are never on your side

If today were your last dayAnd tomorrow was too lateCould you say goodbye to yesterday?Would you live each moment like your last?Leave old pictures in the past?Donate every dime you have?Would you call old friends you never see?Reminisce old memories?Would you forgive your enemies?Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?Swear up and down to God aboveThat you'd finally fall in love?If today was your last day